Glossary

This section contains definitions for all the lesser known terms that you will see on this web site.

Blade - The blade of a weapon refers to the part that will be used to hit your opponent. Regardless of what type of weapon it is, the section is
called the blade. The blade should always be fully padded and in safe working condition.

Camping Mat - The ideal foam for making weapons comes from a light blue camping mat sold at Wal-Mart. This foam is easily to work with and very sturdy.
The mat is used for sleeping on while camping, but any boffer maker knows that it's really for whacking people.

Core - The term core is used when referring to what gives a boffer its structure. Cheaper boffers use a core of PVC pipe, while more expensive boffers
use a core of graphite shafts.

Foam (Closed Cell) - Pool noodles and camping mats are examples of closed cell foam. It is made up of tiny bubbles that withstand pressure. Because air
cannot pass through it, closed cell foam doesn't compress very well. Instead of squishing, it bounces. Closed cell foam is good for weapon blades and parts that
don't need heavy padding.

Foam (Open Cell) - Open cell foam is a type of foam where the cells will allow air to pass through them. This foam is the kind used in couch cousins.
Open cell foam compresses much better than closed cell foam making it very soft. The down side to its great compression is that hard objects can easily pass
through them so open cell foam should only be used in thick layers. Open cell foam is also more expensive than closed cell foam. You can buy it at most fabric
stores. It's used on shields, and thrusting tips.

Graphite Shafts - One the the most ideal cores of a boffer are graphite shafts. They are very light and very sturdy. They can usually be purchased from
kite manufacturers.

Hilt - The hilt of a weapon is the part where your hands grip the weapon. Because hilts are not padded they should only be big enough to fit your hand
or hands comfortably without leaving sections unpadded. Hilts are often taped over with athletic tape to make a nice comfortable grip.

Pommel - The pommel of a weapon is usually on the opposite end of the tip. It's a small section just above where your hands grip the weapon. They are
important in keeping your hand from slipping off the weapon. The pommel should be properly padded to make sure that people don't get injured in close combat.

Pool Noodles - Pool noodles are long tubular strips of closed cell foam. They make excellent boffer blades. They can be purchased in most department
stores and pool stores in the summer.

PVC Pipe - PVC stands for polyvinylchloride, it's a fairly light weight white plastic tube used in plumbing. It makes a useful core to boffers because
it's very sturdy and light.

Tape (Athletic) - This is the type of tape used on hockey stocks, baseball bat grips, etc. It's a cloth tape that give nice grip and is usually used on
the hilt of a weapon.

Tape (Duct) - Duct tape is a sturdy fibrous tape designed for sealing duct work. It also makes a very useful protection for the foam of boffer weapons.
And it's already the color of metal, how nice.

Tip - The tip of a weapon is the most important part because it's usually the least safe area. Tips receive the most damage and the core will sometimes
break from the tip. Make sure your tips are always in safe working order.

Thrusting Tip - These are special tips put on the end of boffer weapons that are made from open cell foam. By adding softer foam to the tips of weapons
they are safer to fight with. Some groups require thrusting tips.